TRANSCRIPT: If you read my last post, The Dirty Little Business of Christian Music, it’s apparent that in many 21st-century evangelical churches, a considerable portion of so-called worship music has descended into a manipulated entertainment “experience”. In certain instances, some of it has gone as far as to be an abomination before God and detestable in His sight. Sadly, the royalties from many of these songs help finance the spread of false gospels.
I ended that post with this question, “Whatever happened to signing the Psalms?”
This week, I will answer that question...
Many modern-day church leaders seem to think that we are supposed to be governed more by the principles of the New Testament than the Old Testament. After all, they say, “We need to stay current and relevant,” or “Why go back in time to drag out old and dead Psalms?” or “Old Testament stuff is no longer relevant under the new covenant”.
They would all be wrong... not singing the Psalms is not an option; it is a New Testament command...
18 And do not get drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord; 20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ... (Ephesians 5:18–20)
16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16)
An essential part of walking in Christ is singing Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, yet for many of us, that has not been a part of our praise and worship for decades. Instead, we are listening to “worship” bands singing overly commercialized “hit” songs.
Phil Webb from Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, puts it this way... “Throughout history, God’s people have found the Psalms to be their source of spiritual strength. It is also important to note that the Psalms were meant not only to be read and prayed but sung out loud as an expression of dependence upon God’s sovereign hand through times of defeat, sadness, oppression, war, famine, and captivity.”
The regular practice of singing Psalms may be one of the most powerful means of recovering Biblical worship. They teach us to celebrate God’s forgiveness, love his righteousness, and ponder his judgment. Today, in these increasingly dark times we live in, more than ever, we need to be signing the Psalms.
Should you never sing contemporary worship songs? Of course not! There are several good ones out there... as long as they are scripturally sound and not from Bethel, Hillsong, Elevation, or Passion. (See last week’s post.)
Look for a good Psalter (Psalm songbook). Several Psalters are available online with modern English musical arrangements of the Psalms. Doubtless, your church’s worship leader will likely find several that would work for your congregation.
But why wait?
You can read, pray, and even sing the Psalms on your own to deepen your relationship with God...
Can’t wait? Watch this amazing video with Phil Webb and sing along...
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